05-06-18

Milan, Italy / 2 nights

I am very honoured that I can now say I have visited all 4 major fashion capitals of the world! After these past few days I can definitely see why Milan makes that list. A great vibe created by the young influencers of the city. Oh and if you want to shop some fashion, Milan is your place! You do not realise how much strength it took to control my urge to shop.

On the topic of shopping, Milan is home to one of the oldest and grandest shopping centre/arcade, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Such a beautiful interior and designed as if it were for the Gods. However, get ready to do a lot of window shopping as the majority of these shops would probably sell a keychain for €60. Get ready to take some snaps of the delicate glass panelled ceilings and the alleyways lined with spherical wall lamps.

If you manage to enter the side of the shopping arcade that we did you will eventually be led out to the spectacle that is the Milan Cathedral. I had seen many pictures of the cathedral before but never did I imagine to be so astonished by it. The structure has such impressive detail and its countless spires on its roof give the gothic appearance which it is famous for. Do be warned if you are not a fan of pigeons because there are hundreds in the square of the cathedral!

After visiting the two main landmarks I was most interested in, we walked away from the heart of the city and into the outer parts. This is when you start to see more open areas filled with greenery. It was on this walk where we came across the Castello Sforzesco, castello translating to castle in English. Dating back to the 15th century this castle makes for some great scenery and relaxed walking. At the entrance you are welcomed by a grand fountain and eventually led to a large park, Sempione Park.

The one thing I did feel slightly lost about when in Milan was that it is one of the first major cities I have visited which does not have a river running through it. This is a feature I love when in a city as I do enjoy catching some fresh air whilst walking along the river side. This is why I did appreciate stumbling across Sempione Park. Filled with small lakes and streams the park embraces some great wildlife with ducks and turtles. Also, out is always nice to have that opportunity to get out of the hustle and bustle that the city creates.

As you reach the top of the park you can find Arco Della Pace, it looks like a mix between the Arc de Triomphe and the Brandenburg Gate. This Arc then leads down to a main road called Corse Sempione. Apparently, as I read online, this road leads you from Milan all the way to Paris taking you through the Swiss Alps. I found it so hard to believe as that is such an astonishing fact and road but pretty cool nonetheless! Corso Sempione beholds some great cafes and restaurants which finished off our long day of walking very nicely with a bowl of penne pasta and ragu!

Although our time in Milan was very short, hence why my blog post today is not as hefty as previous, we were really able to capsulate such a variety of sceneries which the city has to offer. Milan offers modern architecture with a busy city life as well as the sights of historic and centuries-old monuments. I can’t wait to visit those shopping streets again with a heavier purse in my pocket.

Peace and love,

Yasmin xo